Teen gains understanding of real world by getting involved in community

Published: Sunday, November 18, 2007

HUMBERTO MARTINEZAVALANCHE-JOURNAL

Volunteering has helped Maria Palacios, 14, learn that life isn't as easy as the average teen might think.

The Lubbock High School student is involved with Up and Coming Scholars, a program started by Cowboy Fred Ortiz that tries to get students through college and help financially if in the program long enough. He said the program tries to instill traditional values such as honor and integrity into teens, develop leadership qualities and get them involved in a lot of volunteer projects.

Maria said that she has been in the program for about a year and has passed out flyers with statistics on dropout rates, mowed elderly people's lawns, set up games at a community pool and sung Christmas carols at a nursing home. Maria said the work has changed her perspective on life.

"It's helped me realize I have to work for what I want," Maria said. "I can't just run to my parents for everything. In the real world, I have to stand up for what I want."

The work has introduced Maria to people she wouldn't have met otherwise, which has taught her something.

"Working with the elderly, I've learned you can learn a lot from different viewpoints in life," she said. "Different age groups or types of people have different perspectives."

Maria said that as part of Up and Coming Scholars, speakers are brought in for monthly meetings to talk about their jobs and what kinds of skills are needed to fulfill them.

She said that those speakers, and also her volunteer work, has given her an idea of what abilities she possesses.

"Volunteering helps teens learn what they can do," Palacios said. "A lot of people go to others for help a lot. Cowboy Fred helps us understand what skills we have, what skills we could have, and what skills we should have in life."

Maria's mother, Judy Palacios, said that since her daughter started in the program, she has changed. She said that she has a different attitude about life and more appreciative.

"I think she's come a long way," Palacios said. "She used to be in front of the TV, not caring about anything, but that's different now. She's involved. She's realized life's not easy and that she has to work for what she wants. She also knows now what she's capable of and that she can be whatever she wants."